Self-Compassion guru Kristin Neff was in Minneapolis on April 6th for a workshop on Self-Compassion and Emotional Resilience. I wasn’t able to attend so I asked Madia Barber, Social Emotional Learning Facilitator at MPS to share her experience with us for this week’s Mindfulness Message.

“The Kristen Neff seminar was phenomenal. I am so grateful I was able to attend! Neff beautifully explained the three components of self-compassion: self-kindness vs. self-judgement; common humanity vs. isolation; and mindfulness vs. over-identification.

Common Humanity vs. Isolation:- Seeing own experience as part of larger human experience not isolating or abnormal- Recognizing that life is imperfect

Mindfulness vs. Over-identification:- Allows us to “be” with painful feelings as they are- Avoids extremes of suppressing or running away with painful feelings

I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar, but I found myself struggling to understand the difference between self-compassion and mindfulness. They are strongly linked, but Neff explains the difference:

Mindfulness vs. Self-Compassion- Mindfulness accepts painful experience without resistance, “being” with things as they are- Compassion wishes the experiencer to be free from suffering, “active” comfort and soothing

In the end, I walked away knowing that I definitely want to read her book and that mindfulness and self-compassion are strongly connected.”

Madia just sent me the attached flyer about this class on Wednesday! How timely!Educator Self Care and Sustainability: From Surviving To ThrivingWednesday, April 20th from 4:30pm-7:30pm at the Davis Center Assembly RoomeCompass Course # 91421